Recently in Science Category

"The activation of a superstition can indeed yield performance-improving effects." That's the conclusion of an upcoming article in Psychological Science, which observes that lucky objects can reinforce a person's sense of control and thereby actually increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome.

However, the same article notes that lucky charms tend not to be propitious in situations over which a person has little to no control--such as, say, an eBay auction for a lucky pendant:

The "Figa" is Brazil's omnipresent good luck symbol. The raised fist with thumb between first and second fingers is multi-functional - symbolizing fertility, passion, luck. Made from everything from broken stones to silver and semi-precious stones, it keeps evil spirits away.

A mural inside the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center.

A wonderful collection. Here are just two:

Below: Levels of Consciousness--"The earth and brain are the nucleus of a neuron, whose apical dendrite is a double helix. Reversing the scales reminded me of universal principles that operate across different levels of organization– like diversity is important."

Below: "The Tree of Life--carbon, glucose, light, DNA, and the golden rectangle. A tattoo by Kevin Riley. On the chest of a PhD student in molecular biology."

New research positing that early humans ate Neanderthals has been making the rounds. Whether that actually occurred is open to debate; somewhat less disputed is that we apparently used Neanderthal teeth in our necklaces.

Below: more contemporary tooth necklaces from Marc Luscher:

The Pope's recent assertion that condoms exacerbate the AIDS crisis has reportedly made this papal protest condom all the rage in France. Akimbo has the scoop; more here. One commenter testifies to the product's effectiveness:

I completely believe this is an effective form of birth control.

One look at Pope B16 and I lose all interest in sex . . .

Bad Astronomy highlights this example of religious pareidolia, or pattern-seeing--a website selling the "crucifish," a catfish skull that miraculously takes the form of Christ on the cross. Another feature of the sight: an old optical illusion in which you stare at a certain pattern for a while & turn away to see what an expectant viewer could interpret as an image of Christ in the air.

Buy six and a portion of the proceeds goes to charity. But this skull is also magic for you:

This icon is said to Bring Good Luck and Protection to those who posses one

All I can say is that it has worked for me

I have won the lottery for $2700.00

Win at Bingo consistently

Have survived 4 Major Hurricanes

I'm sure some of you are skeptics, but really, you can't argue with the bingo.

io9 reports on the burgeoning genre of Christian scifi romance. The possibilities are endless--"The Star My Destination"; "The Moon is a Submissive Mrs."; "So Long, and Thanks for the Jesus Fish."

Sure they're groaners, but Christian titles are basically porno puns with Jesus. Down these clean streets a man must go . . .

Actress Shirley MacLaine offers a line of "eco-friendly" jewelry based on sacred geometry. Above: Swirl to God, an homage to the spiral:

Generally, the spiral represents a broadening of consciousness, which is the destination arrived after a long journey.

In terms of astrology, mysticism and myth the spiral translates into meanings of spirituality and rebirth.

In terms of spirituality, the spiral symbol represents the path leading from outer consciousness (materialism, external awareness, ego, outward perception) to the inner soul (enlightenment, unseen essence, nirvana, cosmic awareness).

In terms of rebirth or growth, the spiral symbol represents the consciousness of nature beginning from the core or center and thus expanding outwardly. This is the way of all things, as recognized by most mystics.

This is just one of many spiritual products offered on her site, an epitome of commerce as an extension of the self. As Ms. MacLaine can affirm, there's little more rewarding than living long enough to go from outside to mainstream.

Swastika Freakshop via BMEZine. Be sure to check out the SF homepage for more, as well as this cri de coeur prompted by burgeoning internet fame:

the spirit of the ritual give me the energy to do what i do...

please read this... Effectively immediately, I am gong to stop doing body modifications. I no longer offer things like implants, scars etc... So please do not request any of this from now on. I need time to concentrate on my tattoo work and on my own life. Body modification IS my life - but not all in my life. And, right now, for me, tattooing is more important than the other stuff. So I will take a one-year break from promoting. I won't upload new pictures and try to take a break from being an internet celebrity. Please respect my decision and don't ask me about anything else than tattooing. When you want a tatu, please contact me via my homepage (www.swastika-freakshop.de).